The prolific genius of the Romantic piano remains one of the most beloved composers today. Frédéric Chopin's ardent and sincere works run the gamut of human emotion, expertly evoking wonderment, sorrow, and love.
Though his life was short — he died before his fortieth birthday — Chopin won respect from his peers and generations of artists who followed.
WFMT asked its hosts, producers, and audience to weigh in to create a definitive list of Frédéric Chopin's top 10 works.
WFMT listener Ben T. says: “The ballade is lilting and fluid, and hard to resist.”
WFMT listener Maz W. says: “The Ballade in A-flat is my favorite because it lacks the "angst" of the other three. t's a happy outlier.”
WFMT listener Jake T. says: “Fantasie-Impromptu is engrained in my DNA; hearing it as I’ve gotten older reminds me of the ebbs and flows of life. Chaotic yet poetic, and amid the tumultuous moments, rays of beauty that poke through and overtake any difficult feelings, and a final beautiful resolution, a cleansing breath that reminds me that no matter the struggle, brighter skies are always ahead.”
WFMT listener Ben T. says: “The Scherzo gets into your soul, and changes how you think. One of the greatest compositions of the 19th century.”
WFMT listener Jake T. says: “Andante Spianato instantly transforms the world around me to the warm place of every child’s favorite tranquil daydream. The richly flowing melody enchants the listener and evokes the softest moments of life.”
WFMT host and producer Robbie Ellis says: “Ultimately my most favorite is just the best melody he ever wrote: the E-Flat Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2. You can't go past it.”
WFMT listener Icy C. says: “The Nocturne is so simply beautiful, and it always makes me feel peaceful.”
WFMT listener John L. says: “The Nocturnes are the most sublime works in all the piano repertory. Whether at night or first thing in the morning, they just soothe the soul.”
WFMT administrative coordinator/production assistant Adela Skowronski says: “As overplayed as it may be these days, there's a reason why the "Raindrop" Prélude has stood the test of time for so many years. It's more than a lovely melody: it's a complete story, rich in imagery and harmony despite its short run time.”
WFMT listener Icy C. says: “I love the Polonaise in A-Flat Major because of all the moods included in it; it has more than just the military mood and I like its transition sections.”
WFMT listener Daniel H. says: “Op. 58… is Chopin's finest sonata structure.”
WFMT listener Maz W. says: “The Third Piano Sonata starts out with a powerful descending motif and every movement is a masterpiece.”
WFMT listener Scott W. says: “The Third Sonata is the perfect combination of form, elegance, and Chopin's unique chromaticism.”
WFMT listener Andrew R. says: “The second movement of the E Minor piano concerto is my favorite piano piece to play. It is highly melodic, and the piano music can stand alone, even without the orchestral accompaniment”
WFMT listener Dan F. says: “It’s hard to pick favorites but the G Minor Ballade has so much grandeur and beauty that I have to rank it on top... to say nothing about the technical challenge of actually playing it!”
Enjoy the full playlist of Chopin's Top 10 Works!
ALSO RECEIVING VOTES:
Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 1
Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, K. 543
Berceuse, Op. 57
Mazurka No. 4 in A Minor, Op. 17
Piano Sonata No 2 in B flat minor "Funeral March"
